Media Guide

Overview

The United Nations Peacekeeping Defence Ministerial (UNPKDM) is the world’s largest gathering of Defence Ministers dedicated to peacekeeping.

The 2017 conference will take place on November 14-15 in Vancouver, British Columbia, Canada. Over 500 participants from more than 80 countries and international organizations will attend the conference.

Vancouver is located in western British Columbia, in Canada, on the coast of the Pacific Ocean.

Meeting Venue

Vancouver Convention Centre

1055 Canada Place
Vancouver, British Columbia

T: 604-689-8232
F: 604-647-7232

www.vancouverconventioncentre.com

Program

A media program for the 2017 United Nations Peacekeeping Defence Ministerial Conference in Vancouver can be found in the Annex.

UNPKDM Online

The UNPKDM website offers information on the conference themes and objectives.

The Media Centre

The UNPKDM will give media representatives access to a media centre equipped with Wi‑Fi. The Media Centre will be located at the Vancouver Convention Centre, Ballroom A, 1st Floor.

Throughout the conference, all media queries should be directed to on-site media liaison officers who will provide information on media activities, facilitate interviews, and provide any necessary information to media representatives.

The Media Centre will be open from 07:00 a.m. to 11:00 p.m. on November 14 and from 6:00 a.m. to 09:30 p.m. on November 15.

An information booth will be set-up, where all information pertaining to the conference will be available, including products such as media advisories and news releases. A photocopier will also be available.

Accredited media representatives will be able to pick up their badges at a dedicated desk on Level 1 of the Convention Centre from noon on November 13 until 12:00 pm on November 15.

Accreditation

To attend the 2017 UNPKDM and access the media centre, all media representatives must be accredited.

To be accredited, all media representatives must register for the conference online no later than November 10, 2017, at noon (EST) through the Registration and Accreditation portal at https://accreditationcanada.gc.ca/Vancouver-2017/default.aspx. Media have to provide a picture and an assignment letter.

Registrations submitted after noon on November 10, 2017 (EST) may not be accepted. Most of the conference will be open to media. However, some portions of the program may be closed to the media or only accessible through restricted pool coverage.

In order to be added to the United Nations Peacekeeping Defence Ministerial distribution list and receive more information on the conference, media should check the consent box located on the online accreditation form.

Meal Service

Meals and refreshments will be provided in the Media Centre during the conference.

Meeting Arrangements and Key Contacts

As host, the Government of Canada is responsible for providing official meeting and media facilities as well as security arrangements.

Media inquiries should be directed to:

Catherine Gagnaire
Catherine.gagnaire@canada.ca
613-668-5132

Media Relations Office
National Defence Headquarters
MGen George R. Pearkes Bldg, 15 NT
101 Colonel By Drive
Ottawa, ON
K1A 0K2
Canada

Phone: (613) 996-2353
http://forces.gc.ca/

Media operations (logistics) inquiries should be directed to:

Réal Jean
Real_jean@hotmail.com
418-953-5302

Host Photographer

A host photographer will take photographs of official events. These photographs will be made available to media, royalty-free, at a later date.

Entry Requirements/Visa Information

All media representatives must possess valid travel documents and, where necessary, a visa for entry into Canada. Travelers should apply as a business visitor

Visa requests should be submitted to the Canadian Embassy in the guest’s national capital. For current information on which countries require visas to travel to Canada, please visit the Immigration, Refugees and Citizenship Canada website. Please note that airline companies will not allow plane boarding in the absence of a valid visa, and visas cannot be obtained upon arrival in Canada.

Visa-exempt foreign nationals are expected to have an Electronic Travel Authorization (eTA) to fly to, or transit through Canada. Exceptions include U.S. citizens and travelers with a valid Canadian visa.

To find out what else you may need to know before visiting Canada, please refer to the Visit Canada rubric within the Immigration, Refugees and Citizenship Canada website.

Technical Equipment

Some rules apply to temporarily importing equipment, such as cameras and editing equipment. Media representatives who transport technical equipment to produce news stories or broadcasts must check Canada’s temporary importation rules to make it easier for them to enter Canada with their equipment. For further details, please visit the Canada Border Services Agency (CBSA) at www.cbsa-asfc.gc.ca/publications/dm-md/d8/d8-1-1-eng.html.

For information about and applying for an ATA Carnet (customs document to facilitate the temporary importation of goods), visit CBSA’s website at http://www.cbsa-asfc.gc.ca/publications/dm-md/d8/d8-1-7-eng.html.

Accommodation and Transportation

Media representatives must make their own arrangements and pay for their transportation, living and accommodation expenses.

Airport

The nearest international airport to the Vancouver Convention Centre is the Vancouver International Airport, airport code YVR. The airport is located approximately 12 kilometres from downtown Vancouver.

Vancouver International airport offers many accessible features. Information on YVR’s accessibility features is available here: http://www.yvr.ca/en/passengers/navigate-yvr/accessibility-at-yvr.

Public Transportation

The Canada Line rapid transit rail system connects the airport’s international and domestic terminals to the downtown business and hotel district in less than 30 minutes. The Canada Line is accessible by elevator from both the arrivals and departures levels at the airport. For information on hours of operation, fares and more, visit: http://thecanadaline.com/

Private Transportation

Licensed taxis and limousines serve the YVR terminal. Taxi and limousine fares from the airport are fixed according to pre-established destination zones, with an average cost of $35 for travel by taxi to most points in the downtown area. Limousine fares generally are higher. Rates do not include gratuities.

For further information on:          

Car Rentals

Airport rental car companies can provide accessible vehicles, but a minimum 48 hours advance booking is required.

Communications

Postal Services

Canada Post provides postal service across Canada. One can purchase stamps in post offices and postal outlets.

Visit www.canadapost.ca for information on locations, hours of operation, and postage costs.

Cellular Telephone

Visitors should contact their existing cellular service providers to ensure that Canadian wireless service providers are included in their primary roaming list.  Rogers Communications, Bell Mobility, and Telus Mobility are the main providers in Canada. All three are providing 2G, 3G and 4G in Vancouver.

Calling Abroad From Canada

The code to make international calls from Canada is 011 (followed by the country code + applicable number).

Internet

The media centre will provide accredited media with a work space and free Wi-Fi Internet access. The majority of hotels, restaurants and coffee shops offer wireless connections at no cost.

Radio communications

If media agencies wish to bring and use equipment requiring radio frequencies (radio communication) during the event, they must first obtain authorization from the Government of Canada to use the desired radio frequencies and they must register their equipment. To do this, they must contact Innovation, Science and Economic Development Canada at the following coordinates, through their embassy:

Spectrum Management and Telecommunications

Telephone: +1-855-465-6307
Email: ic.spectrumenod‑spectredeno.ic@canada.ca
Hours of operation: 8:30 a.m. to 4:30 p.m. (EST)

Health

Health Insurance Coverage

Visitors to Canada are responsible for the payment of any fees relating to health services needed during their visit. This includes medical care obtained in health facilities such as hospitals, clinics and physicians.

It is recommended that, in advance of travelling to Canada, delegates obtain health insurance to cover any medical costs they might incur while they are away from home. 

Visitors who have prescribed medications are encouraged to have a copy of the prescriptions (medications, glasses, etc.) available during their stay in Canada.

Hospitals and Clinics

For non-life-threatening medical problems:

Care Point Medical Centre (711 W Pender Street, 604-687-4858, www.carepoint.ca)

Khatsahlano Medical Clinic (920 Seymour Street, at Nelson Street, 604-731-9187, www.khatsclinic.ca)

The following hospitals have 24 hour emergency departments.

St Paul's Hospital
1081 Burrard Street, at Helmcken Street, Downtown (604-682-2344).

UBC Hospital & Urgent Care Centre
2211 Wesbrook Mall, between University Boulevard & W 16th Avenue, West Side (604-822- 7121).

Vancouver General Hospital
855 W 12th Avenue, at Oak Street, West Side (604-875-6111).

Vaccinations

Although there is no requirement to present a vaccination certificate upon entering Canada, it is suggested that media representatives be up-to-date with the following immunizations: measles; mumps; rubella; polio; tetanus; diphtheria; and influenza.

Safety and Security

Under Canadian legislation the Royal Canadian Mounted Police has the primary responsibility to ensure the security for the proper functioning of any intergovernmental conference in which two or more states participate and that is attended by persons granted privileges and immunities, as for this event.  The RCMP is coordinating its efforts with the local police of jurisdiction (Vancouver Police) and other security partners, as required.

Emergency

While in Canada, dial local 911 for all health and safety emergencies. 

General Information

Tipping

Tipping is customary in sit-down restaurants and is rarely included in the bill. Typical range is 10-15 percent of the total bill. For taxi fares, it is customary to add 5-10 percent to the total as a tip to the driver.

Places of Worship

Hours of Operation

Shops generally open from 10:00 a.m. onwards and close around 5:00 p.m. Some, depending on the type of business, may stay open till 9:00pm or later. Banks generally open at 9:00 a.m. and close at 5:00 p.m. Monday to Friday although some branches may open Saturday and close Monday. Post offices usually open between 9:00 a.m. and 5:00 p.m. Monday to Saturday.

National Holidays

Remembrance Day is observed on November 11. Many government offices, facilities and banks will be closed. Certain businesses may be open during full or reduced business hours.

As this year November 11 is on a Saturday, some stores, banks or government offices will be closed on Monday, November 13, 2017.

Climate

Vancouver experiences a moderate oceanic climate with rainy and relatively cool conditions to be expected in November. The average daily maximum temperature for the month is 9ºC (48.2ºF); the average daily minimum is 4ºC (39.2ºF).  Additional information on Vancouver’s weather is available at https://weather.gc.ca/city/pages/bc-74_metric_e.html                                                                                                     

Time Difference

Vancouver is on PDT (UTC-7) up to November 5, 2017, 2:00 a.m., and will be on PST (UTC-8) from November 5, 2017, 3:00 a.m.

Electricity

The standard voltage in North America is 110 volts, while the frequency is 60 Hertz.

Currency

The currency is the Canadian dollar (CAD). Major credit cards (including VISA and MasterCard) are widely accepted in Vancouver. Most bank cards can also be used at ATM machines to withdraw cash in Canadian dollars.

Smoke-Free Policy

Smoking is prohibited in all public places, except for some hotels that might still have rooms that are specifically designated and reserved as smoking rooms.  Smoking is prohibited outdoors within six metres of any door, window, etc.

Annex: Media Program

Please note that all details are subject to change. All times are local.

Tuesday, November 14, 2017

Time Event Location Media
11:30 Youth as Peacebuilders Working Session  L2, Rooms 211 - 214 Open Coverage (Standing positions for journalists. Registration at the Media Centre Front Desk will be required prior to the event to facilitate access) of Keynote Speeches, Closed for Workshops 
16:00 The Role of the Private Sector in Conflict Prevention L1, Room 109 - 110 Open Coverage (Standing positions for journalists. Registration at the Media Centre Front Desk will be required prior to the event to facilitate access)
17:45 Heads of Delegation Official Welcome L1, Delegation Hallway Pool Photo Op
19:00 Welcome Event – Naturally Canada L1, Ballroom D Open Coverage (Standing positions for journalists. Registration at the Media Centre Front Desk will be required prior to the event to facilitate access)

Wednesday, November 15, 2017

Time Event Location Media
07:00 Doorstep Media Availability

L1, Pearson Medal Display, Opposite Room 108           

Open Coverage
07:15 Women, Peace and Security Chiefs of Defence Network L3, Room 306 Pool Photo Op
08:00 Youth as Peacebuilders Town Hall L2, Room 211 – 214 Open Coverage (Standing positions for journalists. Registration at the Media Centre Front Desk will be required prior to the event to facilitate access)
08:50 Opening Plenary L1, Ballroom C

Open to cameramen and photographers with limited access to journalists (Sitting positions for journalists who will have to register at the Media Centre Front Desk prior to the event). Audio and video available at the Media Centre.

09:30 Session 1 A: Smart Pledges L1, Ballroom C Photo Op at beginning of Session
10:45 Session 1B: Pledge Announcements L1, Ballroom C Open to cameramen and photographers with limited access to journalists (Sitting positions for journalists who will have to register at the Media Centre Front Desk prior to the event) for the Keynote speech. Audio and video available at the Media Centre.
11:30 Family Photo L1, Ballroom Foyer Open to cameramen and photographers
12:30 Mid Day News Conference L1, Ballroom A, Main Conference Room of the Media Centre Open Coverage
13:30 Keynote Address L1, Ballroom C Open to cameramen and photographers with limited access to journalists (Sitting positions for journalists who will have to register at the Media Centre Front Desk prior to the event) for the Keynote speech. Audio and video available at the Media Centre.
13:45 Session 2: Innovation in Training and Capacity Building L1, Ballroom C Photo Op at beginning of Session
15:00 Session 3: Protecting Those at Risk L1, Ballroom C Photo Op at beginning of Session
16:30 Session 4: Early Warning and Rapid Deployment L1, Ballroom C Photo Op at beginning of Session
18:30 Closing Media Conference L1, Ballroom A, Main Conference Room of the Media Centre Open Coverage

Page details

Date modified: